Invasive breast cancer means the tumor cells have grown from its initial site into nearby breast tissue. It can also spread to lymph nodes and other distant areas of the body. Another name for this type of cancer is infiltrating breast cancer.

There are two types of invasive breast cancer. The first is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which starts in the milk ducts. It is the most common form of breast cancer. The other is invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which starts in the breast lobules. Breast lobules are sacs that produce milk. ILC is the second most common form of breast cancer.

The caring specialists at Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento know a cancer diagnosis can be scary. That’s why we offer expert oncology services that are trusted throughout the region to give you the best options for recovery. If you have invasive breast cancer in Sacramento or the surrounding areas, count on our professional team of doctors and nurse navigators to provide quality care every time. Find a Doctor today to learn more.

Diagnosing Invasive Breast Cancer

For a suspicious mammogram or breast exam, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to take a sample of cells. In most cases, the sample will tell your doctor about the type and grade of cancer and whether the cancer cells are positive for the HER-2 and hormone receptor proteins. This information guides your treatment plan. Sometimes, all of this information is not available until your doctor removes the tumor during surgery.

Invasive Breast Cancer Symptoms

Mammogram screening finds many invasive breast cancers before symptoms develop. The most common symptom of IDC is a lump. ILC feels more like a thickening or hardening. Other signs and symptoms include:

Skin changes on the breast or nipple

Swelling of part or all of the breast

Change in size, shape, or appearance of the breast or nipple

Inverted nipple or nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk

Treating Invasive Breast Cancer at Dignity Health

Our treatment for invasive breast cancer usually involves surgery. Offering expertise in each option, your doctor will stage your tumor to determine the best surgery for you. Staging tells the doctor how far the cancer has spread.